Best position for bucket hooks

[nerwin]

I bought two weld on hooks for the bucket that I want to install. It was mentioned to me that they are incredibly useful, making the bucket even more useful and not always needing to swap to the pallet forks.

But I am not entirely sure where the best place to weld them into the bucket.

I have the standard SSQA 66 inch bucket that typically comes with the LA525 loader. If anyone could share theirs and or your experience with them plus any advice, I'd appreciate it. I just want to make sure I get it right and not damage anything.

 

[BX25D Rookie]

Typically, weld-on or bolt-on, each hook directly in line with each loader arm.
Sometimes a third hook in the center, but that causes the formed lip at the top of the bucket
to carry the load to the loader arms and then it is easier to deform the top lip of the bucket.

If you add a bolt-on hook in the center, they are available with a reinforcement plate with a vertical
"tab" for attaching a clevis. (at the top of the FEL bucket, but inside the FEL bucket)
Oversize inside the bucket reinforcement plates are available for some models at the below link.

You didn't mention if your bucket is "pin-on" or "SSQA", but this place has both options.
This link is for a "SSQA" FEL bucket.

Kubota™ Quick-Attach Buckets - BoltOnHooks LLC

Bolt-On Hooks and other accessories for Kubota compact tractors.

www.boltonhooks.com

 

[nerwin]

Typically, weld-on or bolt-on, each hook directly in line with each loader arm.
Sometimes a third hook in the center, but that causes the formed lip at the top of the bucket
to carry the load to the loader arms and then it is easier to deform the top lip of the bucket.

If you add a bolt-on hook in the center, they are available with a reinforcement plate with a vertical
"tab" for attaching a clevis. (at the top of the FEL bucket, but inside the FEL bucket)
Oversize inside the bucket reinforcement plates are available for some models at the below link.

You didn't mention if your bucket is "pin-on" or "SSQA", but this place has both options.
This link is for a "SSQA" FEL bucket.

Kubota™ Quick-Attach Buckets - BoltOnHooks LLC

Bolt-On Hooks and other accessories for Kubota compact tractors.

www.boltonhooks.com

Yeah I have the SSQA bucket. Sooo I shouldn't weld them on but get bolt on ones instead because it's an SSQA bucket?

 

[BX25D Rookie]

Your tractor, your choice.
Do you have a stick/MIG welder and are you proficient in using it? If so, do it yourself.
If you don't have a welder, then you will need to hire somebody to do it for you.

Can you haul your tractor to the welding shop? Adequate trailer and tow vehicle?
Is there a "mobile" welder available in your area that can come to your location and do the job?

After the welding is done, sanding/wire brushing/ priming/painting should be done.
Are you equipped for that?

If you are seeing a lot of "NO" in the list above, then the "Bolt-On" hooks will likely be an easier install.
For those, just some basic hand tools and electric drill/Uni-Bit will get the job done.

We will need photos of the completed project!

 

[nerwin]

Your tractor, your choice.
Do you have a stick/MIG welder and are you proficient in using it? If so, do it yourself.
If you don't have a welder, then you will need to hire somebody to do it for you.

Can you haul your tractor to the welding shop? Adequate trailer and tow vehicle?
Is there a "mobile" welder available in your area that can come to your location and do the job?

After the welding is done, sanding/wire brushing/ priming/painting should be done.
Are you equipped for that?

If you are seeing a lot of "NO" in the list above, then the "Bolt-On" hooks will likely be an easier install.
For those, just some basic hand tools and electric drill/Uni-Bit will get the job done.

We will need photos of the completed project!

I know how to do all that stuff, easy. I just never welding hooks onto a bucket before. The hooks I have has valleys so the welds will be super strong. But I guess I need to put them inline with the loader arms. I wouldn't mind bracing if I need to, I got plenty of extra steel to do so. I also have Kubota new Gen factory paint for it.

 

[MOOTS]

Weld’em on!

I don’t have a picture of it, but these are inline with my loader cylinders. Luckily my bucket on the MX has a nice flat spot to weld to.

 

[85Hokie]

I agree that they should be inline with loader arms - however, 3 is better than two!!! In my case I could only get close to center on the arms.

Personally I prefer bolt on to weld on - but to each their own.

 

[nerwin]

Weld’em on!
View attachment 150169
I don’t have a picture of it, but these are inline with my loader cylinders. Luckily my bucket on the MX has a nice flat spot to weld to.

Those look exactly like the ones I got!

 

[McMXi]

The local Kubota dealer welds hooks onto all buckets as a "factory" service. The Kubota dealer in WY where I bought the M6060 doesn't do that so I have one bucket with hooks and one without. I really need to order some weld on hooks from @Kennyd4110 along with some plates for shackles.

 

[nerwin]

So this would be a good safe spot, it's right inline with the curl cylinders.

Also probably should repaint the bucket this spring. Although it's gonna get all scrapped up anyways.

 

[MOOTS]

So this would be a good safe spot, it's right inline with the curl cylinders.

View attachment 150180

Also probably should repaint the bucket this spring. Although it's gonna get all scrapped up anyways.

Perfect. You have a nice flat spot too.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

So this would be a good safe spot, it's right inline with the curl cylinders.

View attachment 150180

Also probably should repaint the bucket this spring. Although it's gonna get all scrapped up anyways.

Yes that is the perfect location!

Paint is overrated!

 

[BBFarmer]

Weld’em on!
View attachment 150169
I don’t have a picture of it, but these are inline with my loader cylinders. Luckily my bucket on the MX has a nice flat spot to weld to.

Wish I could weld like that

Not quite a stack of dimes but definitely a roll of nickels. Good job!

My welds are consistently terrible. Ray Charles could probably weld better than me with his feet.

 

[MOOTS]

Wish I could weld like that

Not quite a stack of dimes but definitely a roll of nickels. Good job!

My welds are consistently terrible. Ray Charles could probably weld better than me with his feet.

I have good days and bad days. When in doubt, turn up the heat! And then there’s the days I forget to turn the gas on…

 

[Hugo Habicht]

Paint is overrated!

No it is not.

Wish I could weld like that
...
My welds are consistently terrible. Ray Charles could probably weld better than me with his feet.

For the same reason I need paint, helps hiding my poor welds a bit.

 

[McMXi]

I have good days and bad days. When in doubt, turn up the heat! And then there’s the days I forget to turn the gas on…

So you were having one of your bad days when you welded on the hooks ... is that what you're saying? I'm just kidding!

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I’d predict that before you have completed the drilling of the first hole while you are dribbling oil on the bit, you will have some time to think and you might be wondering should you have chosen to weld them on.

I did not check the math on the break strength, but it would be interesting to know if the weld on is a stronger joint than the bolt on, or not.

Either way should be fine IMO. (I bolted them on for the B…but for some reason they are welded on for the MX).

I’d recommend to look to Ken’s Bolt ons or weld ons. Everything I have ordered their was shipped right away and just as advertised. Multiple positive experiences with Ken’s for me. No reason to shop anyone else IMO.

YMMV.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Thanks for the mentions guys, we greatly appreciate it!

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Thanks for the mentions guys, we greatly appreciate it!

The only thing I would caution is that there is a limit to the stretch of the t shirts that are available on Ken’s site. I am thinking about filing a warranty claim…or maybe it’s the detergent…yeah, that’s it. (I do like the pockets in them though). Joking aside it’s my go to t shirt for working outside…hi viz color and a chest pocket for the phone. Seriously it’s a good shirt…the stretch issue is not from the seller.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Thanks for the mentions guys, we greatly appreciate it!

NP…great products and service sir. Your hooks are not only accessorizing

my buckets(2) but I have some jewelry on my triangle too!